The automobile is a four-wheeled vehicle that can usually accommodate two to six passengers. It is powered by an internal combustion engine and uses gasoline.
Automobiles are the most common form of transport in society. They can be used for passenger transportation, cargo transportation, and commercial purposes. A typical automobile has four to eight tires.
An automobile’s design and performance depends on its use. For example, a vehicle for off-road use must be durable, resistant to extreme operating conditions, and capable of high speed handling. In addition, it must have a simple system.
Automobiles have evolved from early steam engines to modern internal combustion engine technologies. Today’s vehicles are highly complex technical systems. Manufacturers have improved the body, chassis, engine, and safety systems.
A modern automobile uses thousands of components. Some features include an ignition, steering, suspension, and muffler. Automotive manufacturers employ highly skilled and trained workers.
An automobile is usually powered by a gasoline or diesel internal combustion engine. Some use an air-cooled engine. Electric vehicles are also available. However, they are not as efficient as a liquid-cooled engine.
The American tradition of manufacturing has lowered the price of automobiles. Henry Ford popularized the Model T and introduced the assembly line.
In Europe, the first automobiles were developed in the late 1800s. By the 1920s, the gasoline-powered automobile had taken over the streets of the United States and Europe.
A gasoline-electric hybrid made its debut on the consumer market in 1999. Sales of these automobiles steadily increased in the 21st century.